Living in Birdwood, Colleen was at the opening of her exhibition ‘Feather, Fur and other things’ at Jacaranda House Creative Hub.

Inspired by nature, most of Colleen’s work goes out of the area, and her friends can’t see it.

“It’s a great opportunity to support the Jacaranda House Creative Hub. Most of the work I sell is botanical or wildlife.

“I exhibit a lot in Sydney and work from me is going over to Kew Gardens next year. A lot of these things I’ve painted are bits and pieces I’ve collected from around the area,” said Colleen.

The award-winning artist has always been inspired by the natural world and has been drawing and painting since she was a child.

Born and educated in Sydney, Colleen spent many hours drawing at Taronga Zoo and the Australian Museum during her student days.

Settling later in Birdwood, west of Wauchope, she has developed a farm and a nursery, growing and propagating local native plants, especially rainforest species.

Her detailed work encompasses the natural world inspired from the bushland surrounding her home. Capturing the animals and plants Colleen draws the viewer into considering broader ecological questions.

Her works are included in collections in Canada, Germany, Holland, South Korea, Japan and Australia. Colleen is a member of the Florilegium Society, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and was exhibited in the Florilegium exhibition at the Red Box Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The exhibition at Jacaranda House Creative Hub in Cameron Street continues for the rest of August and two of the paintings have already been sold.